Conor Gallagher hopes Chelsea form can win World Cup spot but insists focus is on resurgent club performances

Nizaar Kinsella26 October 2022

Conor Gallagher insists he has never doubted his ability to make it at Chelsea as he targets a late push for a place in England’s World Cup squad.

Gallagher was outstanding on his first Champions League start last night to help Chelsea beat RB Salzburg 2-1 to secure top spot in Group E with a game to spare.

The midfielder endured a difficult start to the season after deciding to stay at Stamford Bridge following his successful loan spell at Crystal Palace last term.

He was sent off on only his second Chelsea start, against Leicester in August, and was then dropped from the England squad for the last international meet-up. But Gallagher has proved his worth to Chelsea and is impressing under new head coach Graham Potter.

After his superb display in Austria, the 22-year-old hopes to have caught the eye of England manager Gareth Southgate as he finalises his 26-man squad for Qatar.

“Of course it’s important but we’ve had a lot of games for Chelsea and I’ve not thought about it that much, I just want to impress the manager here as much as I can,” Gallagher said.

“If that is enough to get in the squad then brilliant but if not, of course I will be disappointed, but I need to keep working hard and whenever I get the chance to impress as much as I can.”

After helping Chelsea secure a place in the knockout stage of the Champions League, Gallagher insists he has always believed in himself to make his mark at his boyhood club.

“You have highs and lows in football, good games and bad games,” he said. “People have their opinions on you but you just have to keep your head down, stay humble and just focus on the next game.

Chelsea FC via Getty Images

“I have always known that Chelsea is my club and I have always backed myself to be good enough to play in the first team. I still feel there is more to come from me and, hopefully, I can improve, and help the club.

“I am always hungry to play and perform as well as I can. I always train my hardest and whenever the manager needs me to play, if it’s a start or to come off the bench, I’ll be ready and raring to go. Of course, it doesn’t always go as you want but I’ll always keep my head up and try to impress again.”

Gallagher has praised the impact of Potter, who is nine games unbeaten since taking over.

“Everyone has loved working with him so far,” he said. “Yes, it is different, with different formations to suit the game. Everyone is working their hardest for him and the club.

“I think people can see that with the results and performances. We’re happy to qualify and keep the good run of form going.”

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